Be grateful is so so so so so so important. There are a lot of things I blab on about on this blog. My favourite jacket, a dress I made, some YouTube video that made me happy – but one thing I always like to talk about is gratitude and appreciation. I love looking back on past experiences and observing the lessons from it.

I think gratitude is a quality similar to kindness. In fact, the two kind of go hand in hand. Gratitude is something that takes practise and doesn’t always come overnight. Some people are raised with the view of appreciating everything they have, some learn to love a little later in life – either way, it’s one of those things you never regret.

I highly doubt there’s anyone out there that has received something for free, said thank you and then thought: “Actually, you know what? I’m not thankful, I take it back!”

Pretty much every acceptance speech has an element of gratefulness in because it’s a natural feeling. It warms our hearts and it makes us feel special. When someone has done something for you, or you’re in a situation you could only dream of, there’s a feeling of satisfaction that is linked to feeling appreciative and thankful. It’s nice to feel pleased with life.

I learned the importance of being grateful as I grew into an adult, and just looked back on my life. My mum, for example, has got to be one of the strongest women I know. In fact, scratch that, she is the strongest woman I know. She raised my sister and I alone for most of our lives, and gave us the very best even though we didn’t have much. I was 7 when she became a single mother, and she never received any extra help from anyone. She continued to keep fighting to get the best for my sister and I – even moving to a nicer area to help me get into a better school (which meant I graduated with better grades) and worked hard to always make sure the fridge was full and our clothes were warm.

As a kid, you overlook things like this. She’s my mum, she’s always been there, and I never realised some of the struggles she went through until I became an adult and not only learned the value of money but also came to know how hard it is to just live.

If it wasn’t for my mum, I wouldn’t have a love of reading and writing (she bought me an array of books as a child), I would have a blog (she keeps reminding me not to quit), and I wouldn’t adore fashion as much as I do (she’s a designer, and taught me how to sew).

The main reason I’m an independent person is because my mum raised me to be that way without me noticing. She also raised me to speak my mind (at the right time), be proud of my achievements (without being arrogant) and strive for the best (while being realistic) – all things I never realised I was able to do until the time came. I’m grateful for all those things, as they contribute to the person I am today.

There are lots of little things I’m grateful for, and reflecting on those puts everything into perspective for me, but also brings real contentment.